PC Security

[Otta]

Latest edition of Which? magazine has an article on PC Security software.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download, and finished second in their tests, only two percent behind the winner (bullguard). The likes of Norton were a good 10% behind.

Top 4 "Best Buys"

1. BULLGUARD Internet Security '12 - 86% - ?18

2. Microsoft Security Essentials - 84% - Free

3. AVG 2012 - 77% - ?30

4. AVG Free Version - 75%

[Alan Medic]

Useful to know. Thanks for posting it.

[peterstorm1985]

One day enough people will stop buying alternative virus software so no one will offer it anymore and Microsoft will finally have absolute power over us all. Then what may they be tempted to do?

Just saying.....

[Otta]

If they are judged best, by an independent body, and they are free, I'm happy.

[Undisputedtruth]

It was widely known several years ago that free anti-virus software offered a decent level of security. For the paid services, the best of the best seems to change every year. However, virtualisations and sandboxes are the way forward for safe online browsing.

There are a few issues I have with Which tests. They don't test all of the products on the market. Sometimes the testing methodology leaves a lot to be desired. Testing results are dumbed down which means you cannot read betweeen the lines.

@Peter, although the Microsoft Security Essentials is not a bad product, there are better free ones elsewhere so I don't believe they've cornered the market. Besides, paid AV software tend to be bloated and causeyour system to slow down.

Well done Otta for realising now you don't have to pay for good software.

Edite: missed out believe

[Otta]

I never paid, but used AVG. Now trying the Microsoft.

[right-clicking]

I have been using Microsoft security essentials for 2 years without any virus getting through, common sense will keep most of the problems down as does regular updates. I have Windows 8 (developers preview) and this comes pre-loaded with security essentials (called defender) I agree with undisputedtruth virtualisation works well but eats a fair amount of RAM. Google chrome is sandboxed so that should make it the most secure one to use. also XXX domain names are moving the porn off the WWW so at least that's some good news

[Undisputedtruth]

Defender was pre-loaded with my Windows 7. Never used it though.

My machine has 8gb of RAM and should be adequate for virtualsation. These days RAM is dirt cheap.

I don't like the fact that Windows 7 doesn't like programs installed on another partition to its operating system. Do you know if Windows 8 have the same issue?

[right-clicking]

Windows 8 is built on the same framework as 7 so I do not think it would allow that, Why would you want to run programs on a separate partition? programs need to access the registry and moving off the main partition will only cause problems. sure by all means move your data files and map them in explorer. but I would leave your programs with the O/S

[Undisputedtruth]

You're right of course with causing of problems. This is why I haven't done it with my current set up.

My main motive is to have the OS stored on SSD while programs and media are stored on HDDs.

[right-clicking]

I have a 100GB SSD Loaded with a 64bit Windows 7 and all my programs fit on it with half of it unused. Only the data is on a separate HDD. I do however run virtual builds stored on the HDD but as these are self contained I encounter no issues. The virtual machine program is stored along with the O/S Way to go!!!

[Undisputedtruth]

I've a 128GB SSD with 64 bit Windows 7 but waiting for HDDs prices to fall to a reasonable level. Damn the Thai floods. The peformance of the SSD was well worth the money. :))

Another reason for partitioning is that it just makes it easier to reinstall the OS than to reinstall OS and programs. But I shall resign to the fact that the feature I wanted most is not happening.

[Undisputedtruth]

According to this month's PC Shopper magazine BullGuard wasn't the best on test.

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/1288573/bullguard-internet-security-2012

[DulwichFox]

I use Eset Nod32 antivirus 4 Think there is an antivirus 5 out now.

Supposedly the only A/V never to miss a new virus ???

Seems very good, and you can contact them and speak to a real person unlike McAfee where you communicate

with someone through some kind of messaging system which you have to set up with them.

Fox

[DulwichDeviant]

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